The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is conducting a special operation to locate four Italian divers who remain missing following a diving incident in Vaavu Atoll.
According to the MNDF, the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received reports at approximately 13:45 on Thursday that five Italian divers had gone missing while diving in the area.
Following the report, the MNDF immediately launched search and rescue efforts by both sea and air. The operation is being supported by a safari vessel, the Vaavu Atoll Police Station, and Alimatha Resort.
Among the five missing divers, the body of one individual was recovered underwater at approximately 18:13 on Thursday by divers from the safari vessel assisting in the search operation.
The MNDF stated that the body was discovered at a depth of around 60 metres, just outside a cave where the remaining four divers are believed to be located.
According to the MNDF, the cave is approximately 200 feet in length.
Authorities noted that the area is significantly deeper than locations typically visited by tourists and recreational divers, requiring specialised equipment and professional-level safety precautions.
The cave reportedly begins at a depth of around 45 metres and reaches approximately 60 metres at its exit point.
The MNDF has now completed its first search dive as part of the ongoing operation. During the initial dive, teams reached the entrance of the cave, marked the location with a buoy, and descended to survey parts of the area.
Preparations are currently underway for a second dive as search efforts continue despite adverse weather conditions.
The MNDF described the operation as an extremely hazardous and high-risk mission.
The Coast Guard vessel CGS Ghaazi remains deployed at the scene, while the Italian Ambassador to the Maldives, who is based in Sri Lanka, is currently aboard the vessel alongside MNDF officials.
Authorities stated that the Maldivian government informed diplomatic partners immediately following the incident, with the ongoing operation being conducted in close coordination between the governments of the Maldives and Italy.
Italy remains one of the Maldives’ key tourism markets and consistently ranks among the leading source countries for tourist arrivals to the Maldives.